The year 2013 promises to be an exciting one for the big volleyball and beach volleyball family says the FIVB President

Lausanne, Switzerland, December 22, 2012 - As this memorable year draws to a close, I would like to take the opportunity to focus on what promises to be a landmark year for the FIVB and the entire volleyball family in 2013.

Since being elected as FIVB President three months ago I have stressed repeatedly that the FIVB needs to change in order to maximise its potential.

While there have been many significant achievements in the past that will not be forgotten, we now sit on the cusp of a new era. The FIVB must now improve in all facets, focusing primarily on communication, leadership strategy as well as its commercial and organisational structure.

This concerns our organisation at all levels, from the FIVB head office all the way down to the grassroots level of volleyball.

Since being elected President, I have put together a strategic plan to help the FIVB obtain these goals in a more efficient and effective manner, with the best combination and allocation of resources and effort. This four year plan will help our members create the most exciting sporting spectacle of precision and performance.

The strategic plan has already been provided to confederations and national federations, with measures and expected results for 2012-2016. I’m happy to say that change has already occurred with our members embracing the new formats of our signature annual volleyball events - the World League and World Grand Prix - and the addition of the new Under 23 tournaments for both disciplines.

We have some great properties and now we have the opportunity to build on them. The Beach Volleyball Continental Cup opened the eyes of many administrators and players for the first time to what can be achieved with vision, great organisation and determination. This example can now be used in other areas of our work.

We have already expressed a new philosophy for beach volleyball in 2013 with the season promising to feature a record number of tournaments - a true year-long season - with new host countries. This is all due to the fact that we now have the opportunity to be open-minded and entertain new ideas.

I cannot express enough how much I encourage all our members to come forward with new concepts based on their experiences. It is this collective spirit that will make the FIVB work like a real team across all levels, while simultaneously reaping rewards for all its members.

As we close the year, I wish all members of our national federations across the world happy holidays along with their families, and the very best for a New Year crowned with the realisation of all your dreams.

The year 2013 promises to be an exciting one for the big volleyball and beach volleyball family.